CLEARWATER, Fla. – The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) has been appointed as the operating partner for Cape Coral, a Florida-based racquet center. Under the new partnership, SFC will spearhead the management efforts; overseeing marketing and booking; staff development and training; guest services, food and beverage offerings, and grounds maintenance. The center is slated to open in July.
“This facility is going to be a premier destination for pickleball and tennis not only here in Cape Coral, but across the state,” says Joe Petrella, City of Cape Coral parks and recreation director. “We wanted to find a partner with experience operating parks and recreation assets, booking and running tournaments, and creating a great guest experience. We found that and more with the team at SFC.”
The facility will feature 32 pickleball courts suitable for large-scale events and 12 tennis courts for competitive matches and leagues. Originally planned in two phases with an initial cost of $8.7 million, the City of Cape Coral opted to construct the entire project at once following unanimous council approval on January 11. This expansion is part of the $60 million park and recreation improvement initiative, overwhelmingly backed by community support through a 2018 ballot measure for a 15-year general obligation bond.
“We are thrilled to partner with Cape Coral to build on the success of the park and usher in the next era of sports and recreation to the community,” said Jack Adams, vice president, sports and entertainment venues at SFC. “By leveraging our regional event, tournament, team, and facility partners, we have the opportunity to improve the health and economic vitality of the city. Our commitment to the city is to be a great and collaborative partner every step of the way.”
Through its extensive SF Network., SFC has successful operating agreements in destinations such as Macon, Ga., home of Rhythm and Rally Sports and Events, the world’s largest indoor pickleball facility, and other destinations like Gatlinburg, Tenn., and Branson, Mo., In all, SFC is an operating partner in more than 50 municipally owned properties nationwide.
